Dallas Cowboys Complete Mock Draft (V 4.11): Overhaul the Secondary
By Reid Hanson
Round 7, Pick 228: SS/MIKE Hardy Nickerson Jr, Illinois
Hardy Nickerson is a name many NFL fans should remember. Nickerson senior, a former Pro Bowl linebacker, dominated the NFL two decades ago. One of the teams he played for during his 16-year career was none other than Rod Marinelli’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1993-1999).
To say the apple doesn’t fall too far the tree is an understatement for Hardy Nickerson Jr. The well-taught and instinctive linebacker from Illinois has been a four-year starter at MIKE. After leading the Cal defense for three seasons, Nickerson transferred to Illinois to play under Lovie Smith and his staff.
Statistically, Hardy dominated the college level but as Dane Brugler pointed out, many of his tackles were 6-7 yards downfield. His speed and athleticism are NFL level quality but his size led to giving up extra yards after contact to opposing offenses.
Only a few months ago some were still seeing Hardy Nickerson Jr as a potential Day 1 or Day 2 prospect despite his size limitations. But most draft boards were unkind to the younger Nickerson, seeing him as outmatched at the NFL level. Standing only 6’0” 232lbs, the concern is legitimate.
But Nickerson is a smart instinctual player with aggression and work ethic. He comes from familiar bloodlines and understands the Rod Marinelli defense. As a MIKE he will always be undersized but the Dallas Cowboys could possibly see him as an in-the-box safety hybrid capable of taking over snaps for Barry Church.